UK spearos - time to be pragmatic?

[Spiderman]

There has been much debate recently in the Devon and Dorset threads and now in a separate thread on the issue of spearfishing competitions.
While many have been attempting to address this issue in a logical manner, we are probably all aware that these issues are not always treated logically by the general public or by legislators.
I personally don't think that competitions are a bad thing but I can see that they may be a public relations liability - has the time come to stop holding out for the principle and to do what is pragmatic for the future of our sport?

[Pastor]

Have you seen the thread started by Almostafish?

[Spiderman]

Yes. I thought a poll might clarify what people really think

[sunfish]

Spiderman, your voting categories are ambiguous. For instance I have voted "abandon comps to protect fish stocks" but what it would really protect is fish balance in a small area rather than stocks overall. Also I know it would improve public relations but only one vote allowed.
The poll on the BSA site is more important as it speaks to competition organisers.

[Spiderman]

Originally Posted by sunfish

Spiderman, your voting categories are ambiguous. For instance I have voted "abandon comps to protect fish stocks" but what it would really protect is fish balance in a small area rather than stocks overall. Also I know it would improve public relations but only one vote allowed.
The poll on the BSA site is more important as it speaks to competition organisers.

Sorry - I guess it is a bit ambiguous - I tried to keep things simple as recommended by DB!

I know the BSA poll is important but not everyone wants to vote on theirs and it could be said that DB represents more people. It never does any harm to let people express opinion

Having read the various threads it appeared to me that different strands of arguement have become entwined and I thought it might be interesting to try and separate them.

[ben]

Abandon comps altogether. If we want our sport to continue we will have to act reasonably and discretely. I don't believe we can continue saying spearfishing is sustainable and then display quantities of fish killed in a competition.. we cant have catch and release like the angling fraternity so lets not fish in comps..
Its all about perception....no comps = less negative publicity